Antiairlock equalizer device

ABSTRACT

An automatic skimmer system for a swimming pool comprising an antiairlock equalizer valve capable of preventing airlock of a fluid pump, and of varying fluid flow from the recirculating pool drain, a trimmer valve formed of several adjustable vanes to vary volume of flow through the skimmer before encountering the equalizer valve, and a self-aligning float ball to close off the skimmer passage when and if the fluid level of the pool is below that of the throat of the skimmer.

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,306,448 2/1967 Baker............................ 210/169 X Primary Examiner-J. L. De Cesare Attorney-Robert E. Geauque Nat Greene Los Angeles, Calif. 865,571 Oct. 13, 1969 [45] Patented Nov. 2, 1971 American Concrete Products Co. Los Angeles, Calif.

United States Patent [72] Inventor [2 1] Appl. No.

[22] Filed [73] Assignee ABSTRACT: An automatic skimmer system for a swimming pool comprising an antiairlock equalizer valve capable of preventing airlock of a fluid pump, and of varying fluid flow from the recirculating pool drain, a trimmer valve formed of several adjustable vanes to vary volume of flow through the skimmer before encountering the equalizer valve, and a selfaligning float ball to close off the skimmer passage when and if the fluid level of the pool is below that of the throat of the skimmer.

PATENTEDNUV 2 I97! SHEET 2 [IF 4 INVENTOR.

ANTIAIRLOCK EQUALIZER DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The use of skimmers at present is quite common in swimming pools. A skimmer is to effect removal of foreign material floating upon the water within the swimming pool as it is desirable to keep the pool water as clean as possible. The skimmer causes the top level of the water to be drawn within it, the foreign material to be strained and filtered out and the skimmer water recirculated.

It is readily apparent that the water level of the pool cannot be maintained constant. Therefore, to maintain flow to the skimmer from the water surface only despite changes in the water level, floating weirs have previously been devised. The floating weir functions to maintain a desired flow from the water surface to the skimmer determined by the recirculating pump regardless of the height of the pool water (providing the water level is not so low as to be below the lower limit of the weir).

Although the above weir arrangements are operative throughout a substantial variation in the pool water level, there are limits to the range of operation of the floating weir. Usually floating weirs operate through a range of 2 to 6 inches. It is possible that sometimes during normal pool operation the water level can fall below the lower limit of the weir thereby causing no fluid flow over the weir with the recirculating pump drawing in air. This can result in severe damage to the pump mechanism; and creates a nuisance as far as restarting the pump.

I-leretofore, there have been a few attempts at designing an automatic skimming system. One such typical system is shown in US. Pat. No. 3,306,448 by W. 0. Baker. The Baker system employs a complex basket and float arrangement to effect the automatic closing of the skimmer passage. Further, because the Baker system employs many parts, it is subject to improper adjustment. Finally, the overall arrangement of Baker is such that many different elements are employed when some elements and their function could be eliminated, some elements could be combined to conserve space and combine functions, and certain elements have been omitted which could insure better overall operation of the skimmer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The skimmer assembly of applicants invention includes the use of a skimmer strainer basket within which is to be movably supported a floating weir. Beneath the basket is a skimmer bottom element which has an opening therein which leads to the recirculating pool passage. A float ball is retained below the basket within the skimmer bottom element and is capable of closing the opening to fluid flow. Adjacent the opening is a trimmer valve which can control the volume of fluid flowing from the skimmer. An equalizer valve is pivotally supported within a valve housing located adjacent to the trimmer valve.

The equalizer passage also enters the valve housing with the equalizer valve partially controlling the flow from the equalizer passage.

The primary object of this invention is to employ an equalizer valve in combination with a pool skimmer system with the valve being simple in construction, nonrnechanical in operation and will operate in a failsafe manner.

One of the objects of the invention is to design a skimmer assembly which is formed of few parts and therefore not complex in design and light in weight.

Another object of this invention is to provide a skimmer assembly which can be easily and quickly installed thereby lowering installation costs.

Another object of this invention is by the inclusion of the variable valve arrangements, vacuum line plumbing and deck valve installations are eliminated.

Another object of this invention is to provide a valve assembly which is readily removable, thereby facilitating replacement or servicing.

Another object of this invention is to provide a valve assembly in combination with a skimmer which automatically causes entry of fluid from the equalizer line to the pump upon the skimmer basket becoming filled with debris preventing fluid flow therethrough.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a cutaway sectional view showing the apparatus of this invention in a normal operating position of a typical installation with a swimming pool;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3--3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 1 but: showing in more detail the filter basket and weir;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing the lowering of the water level;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing the float ball cooperating to close'the skimmer passage;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view showing the variable valve arrangement of this invention in more detail;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a partly-in-section view taken along line 10--l0 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is atop view one of the discs employed in the valve of FIG. 10; and

FIG. 12 is a side partly-in-section view showing a second embodiment of the float ball supporting structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SHOWN EMBODIMENT Referring particularly to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1 a skimmer assembly 20 contained within skimmer housing 22. An upper housing 24 is attached to housing 22 and is to be open to thepool decking 26. A grating 28 is to cover the opening of the housing 24 and prevent people from falling therein. Integrally attached to upper housing 24 is a water inlet housing 30 which is connected to the swimming pool 32 through opening 34. The entire skimmer assembly 20 is to be contained adjacent the sidewall 36 of the pool 32.

Skimmer housing 22 is connected to recirculating pipe 38 through skimmer b'ottom element 40 and connector 42. The attachment of element 40 to housing 22 is to be watertight as by the bolt 44 and the rubber washer 46. Water 48 from pool 32 is to be able to pass through pipe 38 through connector 42 into main pipe 50 by a pump (not shown). Pipe 50 is attached to connector 42 through'elbow 52.

Supportedv within housing 22 is a filter basket 54 which is capable of being removed to be cleaned. Vertically movably supported within basket 54 is a cylindrical weir 56. Weir 56 is constructed to be of such a buoyancy that the top 58 of the weir 56 will just be under water level 60. Weir 56 is to move vertically withthe water level 60 as the level changes. The amount of movement of weir 56 constitutes the range in the pool level that can be encountered. The top level of the range is determined by the lower limit of the inlet 30.

Retained by a chain 62 within skimmer bottom element 40 is a float ball 64. Ball 64 is normally constructed of a thin wall rubber composition to be buoyant and also resilient. In normal operation the ball 64 is buoyed upwardly to the limit determined by chain 62, the limit being so ball 64 does not contact basket 54. Ball is to be of such a size: as to be able to physically block in a fluidtight'manner the connector passage 66. The resilience of ball 64 is to facilitate this blockage.

In FIG. 12 there is shown another embodiment of the float ball 64 supporting structure wherein ball 64 is retained within pan 40 by a spring 65. Spring 65 is secured to pan 40 by an upright pin 67. Spring 65 exerts a small force tending to unseat ball 64 which, when coupled with buoyancy force of the ball 64, keeps the ball 64 from prematurely seating in situation of high fluid flow.

Connector passage 66 is interiorly screw threaded at 68 to facilitate cooperation with a trimmer valve housing 70. Housing 70 is in the shape of a wheel with three spokes 71, 73 and 75 equiangularly spaced apart which meet at a central hub 72. Hub 72 is to be able to receive a bolt 74 within threaded opening 76. A plurality of substantially triangular-shaped discs 78 are to be attached to housing 70 by bolt 74 through hole 77. The purpose of the discs 78 is to effect partial closing of passage 66 to regulate the volume of fluid flow therethrough. Discs 78 are to be manually positioned to the desired flow. Housing 70 is to be positioned within connector passage 66 sufficiently to not contact the ball 64 when blocking passage 66.

An equalizer valve 80 is to telescopingly cooperate with the interior of connector 42. Valve 80 is formed of a resilient material and to be supported within connector 42 by annular flange 82. A pointed steel pin 84 extends diametrically across valve 80 at the end nearest the trimmer valve 70 with pin 84 protruding slightly from the exterior surface of valve 80. Pin 84 is to cooperate with the threaded section 68 to allow valve 80 to be screw threadingly positioned within connector 42. Pin 84 causes the holding firmly in place of valve 80 so that valve 80 will not be moved toward trimmer valve 70 due to suction. Pin 84 also functions as a handle to facilitate rotatingly positioning of valve 80.

Valve 80 includes a side opening 86 which is to regulate in one way the volume of flow from passage 38. Under normal operation the majority of flow comes from the skimmer with opening 86 not cooperating with passage 38. However, if it is desired to restrict the flow through skimmer passage 66, opening 86 is positioned to partially cooperate with passage 38. If the ball 64 effects closing of passage 66 with the opening 86 partially cooperating with passage 38, the valve 80 is still capable of deforming to permit additional flow if it is necessary. Further, if even under normal operating conditions the pumping volume of fluid is not sufficient from the skimmer, the resilience of the valve 80 will permit deflection thereof and passage of fluid from passage 38 into passage 50. If the water level 60 becomes so low that there is no flow of water into the skimmer, the ball 64 will close passage 66 and then valve 80 will deflect and permit fluid flow from passage 38.

The operation of the skimmer assembly of this invention is believed to be readily apparent from the foregoing description and need not be reiterated. An additional point not discussed is that the float ball 64 need not be guided to cooperate with passage 66 but is located in the blocking position under the suction action of the water passing through passage 66.

A further point is that the passage 38 could come directly from the main drain of the pool. If such was the case the valve 80 could be employed to ratio the flow of the main drain versus the flow from the skimmer by rotating valve 80 and aligning aperture 86 partially or fully with the passage 38. If flow from the skimmer decreases or stops the valve will automatically deflect to compensate for the loss of flow from the skimmer and increase flow from the main drain.

What is claimed as new in support of Letters Patent is: 1. A skimmer system for removing foreign materials from the water surface of a swimming pool, said skimmer system ineluding a skimmer housing, a filter basket being supported within said skimmer housing, surface water from the swimming pool being conductible through said filter basket, a skimmer apparatus comprising:

a skimmer bottom element being connected to said skimmer housing, said skimmer bottom element having a retention element attached interiorly thereof, said retention element being attached to a float ball and permitting substantial freedom of movement of said float ball within said skimmer bottom element, said float ball being nonassociated with said filter basket;

a connector pipe being attached to said skimmer bottom element and capable of passing therethrough said surface water from said fllter basket, said connector ipe being connected to a pumping source, said float all being capable of physically blocking said connector pipe and preventing passage of water therethrough, said connector pipe being connected to a recirculating pipe from the swimming pool;

an equalizer valve being located within said connector pipe, said equalizer valve being movable from a first position to a second position, said equalizer valve permitting passage of said water through said connector pipe with said valve in said first and second position, said valve when in said first position being capable of preventing fluid flow from said recirculating pipe, said valve when in said second position permitting fluid flow from said recirculating pipe, with said valve in said first position upon being subjected to a sufficient suction force from said pumping source said valve will permit fluid flow from said recirculating pipe.

2. An apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein:

said equalizer valve being formed of a readily deflectable resilient nonmetallic material.

3. An apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein:

said equalizer valve having an opening therein, said opening cooperating at least partially with said recirculating pipe when said equalizer valve is in said second position, said opening permitting passage of fluid from said recirculating pipe to said pumping source.

4. An apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein:

said float ball being formed of a resilient readily deformable nonmetallic material.

5. An apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein:

a trimmer valve being located within said connector pipe between said skimmer bottom element and said equalizer valve, said trimmer valve functioning to vary the volume of water flow through said connector pipe.

6. An apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein:

said trimmer valve including a plurality of discs being angularly adjustable with respect to one another, each of said discs functioning to restrict a portion of the volume of water flow through said connector pipe.

7. An apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein:

said equalizer valve being screw threadingly attached within said connector pipe by a pin being diametrically located through said equalizer valve and protruding exteriorly thereof. 

1. A skimmer system for removing foreign materials from the water surface of a swimmIng pool, said skimmer system including a skimmer housing, a filter basket being supported within said skimmer housing, surface water from the swimming pool being conductible through said filter basket, a skimmer apparatus comprising: a skimmer bottom element being connected to said skimmer housing, said skimmer bottom element having a retention element attached interiorly thereof, said retention element being attached to a float ball and permitting substantial freedom of movement of said float ball within said skimmer bottom element, said float ball being nonassociated with said filter basket; a connector pipe being attached to said skimmer bottom element and capable of passing therethrough said surface water from said filter basket, said connector pipe being connected to a pumping source, said float ball being capable of physically blocking said connector pipe and preventing passage of water therethrough, said connector pipe being connected to a recirculating pipe from the swimming pool; an equalizer valve being located within said connector pipe, said equalizer valve being movable from a first position to a second position, said equalizer valve permitting passage of said water through said connector pipe with said valve in said first and second position, said valve when in said first position being capable of preventing fluid flow from said recirculating pipe, said valve when in said second position permitting fluid flow from said recirculating pipe, with said valve in said first position upon being subjected to a sufficient suction force from said pumping source said valve will permit fluid flow from said recirculating pipe.
 2. An apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein: said equalizer valve being formed of a readily deflectable resilient nonmetallic material.
 3. An apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein: said equalizer valve having an opening therein, said opening cooperating at least partially with said recirculating pipe when said equalizer valve is in said second position, said opening permitting passage of fluid from said recirculating pipe to said pumping source.
 4. An apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein: said float ball being formed of a resilient readily deformable nonmetallic material.
 5. An apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein: a trimmer valve being located within said connector pipe between said skimmer bottom element and said equalizer valve, said trimmer valve functioning to vary the volume of water flow through said connector pipe.
 6. An apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein: said trimmer valve including a plurality of discs being angularly adjustable with respect to one another, each of said discs functioning to restrict a portion of the volume of water flow through said connector pipe.
 7. An apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein: said equalizer valve being screw threadingly attached within said connector pipe by a pin being diametrically located through said equalizer valve and protruding exteriorly thereof. 